Utility tool



Sept. 28, 1937. Y HABERKMAN I 2,094,20

' UTILITY TOOL Filed Aug 5, 1936 I 1 Y 7 ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 28, 1937 UNITED STATES u'rru'rr 'roor.

Herbert A. Berkman, Chicago, Ill., assignor to Zim Manufacturing 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application August 3,

3 Claims.

10 receptacle, and the other type is simply snapped,

slipped or pressed into place on the receptacle neck, either in engagement with a suitable rim or secured merely by its own resiliency or by the force of pressure. There are, of course, variations of these general types, e. g., structures wherein the receptacle neck is provided merely with a fragmentary thread in the form of offset lugs or projections instead of carrying a complete thread, or structures belonging to the other class where- 20 in the jar or receptacle neck carries a flange or is tapered to receive the snap or pressure cover which is usually also provided with a flexible gasket or the like. There are also types of slip or pressure covers provided with inserts whereby the attachment on the neck of the receptacle is obtained, deforming the insert or the cover responsive to pressure applied upon closing the receptacle.

The first type of cover is removed by unscrewing it from engagement with the receptacle, and the second type is pried loose by inserting a knife edge under its lower edge and between the adjacent portion of the corresponding jar or receptacle.

The designations snap or slip type cap or screw type cap or equivalent terms are used herein in a. general sense and are intended to cover, in the first case, all covers, caps or closures which are applied by pressure, and, in the second case, all closures or seals or the like which employ screw threads, either in fraction or entirely. The first types of covers are pried loose by the use of angular forces, and the second types of covers are removed by torsional forces.

Experience teaches that the removal of either type of cover or cap is attended with considerable difiiculties which are so widely known that an enumeration of specific examples appears superfiuous. It may be mentioned, nevertheless, that the opening of containers provided with caps or covers of this kind, particularly in ordinary households, requires frequently the use of force or the application of tools such as pliers, whereby the cover is usually deformed to such an extent that it is rendered unfit for further use; or the 1936, Serial No. 93,940

contents of the container are contaminated or spilled; or the receptacle is damaged. It also happens quite frequently that 1nJ1i1i1s' are caused upon attempting to remove sucha cover, which is particularly true in the case OfFtheTsnap or slip 5 type cap.

My invention provides a simple't'ool which may be used for opening receptacles of the general character mentioned above, avoiding all danger of injury, and all drawbacks and troubles attending the usual opening procedures.

In one embodiment, realizing one object of my invention, I provide a device carrying an edged jaw for the removal of snap type covers, eliminating the haphazard and injurious use of a knife or other tools. The neck of a jar or receptacle to be opened is simply inserted into the jaw of the tool, whereby an edge-shaped member or members are caused to enter between the lower edge of the cap and the body of the jar and are firmly held inplace without any artifices of any sort. The tool is then tilted with respect to the jar or, inanother embodiment, the jar is tilted with respect to the tool, and the cover is safely and reliably pried loose without possibility of damage or injury to the user of the tool or to any part involved in the operation. The cover may be used for re-sealing the receptacle if only part of its contents are removed.

In another embodiment, relating to a further object of my invention, I employ a device reminiscent of a, so-called alligator wrench having a toothed jaw for gripping a screw cover and applying torque thereto in order to start the unscrewing operation. The cap or cover-carrying neck of the jar is again inserted into the wrench-like structure of my device until it is engaged by the jaws, one of which is suitably toothed, whereupon the jar is turned with respect to the tool or, in a certain embodiment, the tool is turned with respect to the jar, to unscrew the cap or cover.

My new tool provides, in either case, sufiicient leverage for the tilting and for the turning operations, respectively; eliminating all application of force or the use of any artifices whatsoever.

Still another object is realized by the provision of a new combination tool that may be used alternatively for the removal of receptacle caps or covers of either the snap or the screw type.

Other objects and features of my invention which are not specifically noted above will appear in the course of the following detailed description which is rendered below with reference to the drawing. In this drawing:

Fig. 1 illustrates a simple embodiment of a tool for opening receptacles provided with the snap type covers or caps;

Fig. 2 is a variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. i, being of a simple structure and adapted to be attached to the wall or to any other suitable place where it is needed;

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a combination tool wherein I have combined the wrench for removing screw caps or covers from receptacles with the wedge-jawed tool for prying loose the snap type covers;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 with one jaw of the device broken away in order to illustrate details; and

Fig. 5 is a front view of the device in section, taken along line 55 in Fig. 4.

The tool shown in Fig. 1 comprises a generally trapezoidal frame having the side portions II and I2 and the handle portion l3. The structure may be formed of a suitable bent steel rod with a pin l4 riveted to both legs II and I2 so as to prevent misuse of the tool and deformation thereof. The leg H is provided with an edge l5 reduced at its front end l6, and the inner side of the oppositely-disposed leg I2 is ground flat, as indicated at IT. When it is desired to remove a snap cover from a receptacle, the tool is used by entering the cap-carrying neck of the receptacle into the space between the edge jaws H and I2, thereby inserting the edge l5-l6 between the lower edge of the snap cover and the body of the jar. At the opposite side the jar cover and the corresponding portion of the jar will slide along the flat guide surface ll of the leg l2. The tool is thus self-guiding. By choosing the proper angle defining the jaw opening between the legs II and I2, it will be possible to furnish a device of this type which is capable of taking care of jars of several sizes ranging from large size jars to the smallest types of customary jars. This is an advantage over flexible or adjustable structures because it gives rigidity to the tool and therefore renders reliable operation possible. The tool is always under relatively rigid pressure against the jar to be opened. The extent to which a jar will enter the edge jaw opening of the device will obviously depend on its size. After the edge l5 has entered the space between the lower edge of the snap cover and the corresponding portion of the jar and is securely held between the jaws II and 12, the tool is tilted with respect to the jar, and the jar cover will easily pry loose from engagement with the jar neck.

It will be understood that the specific construction of the snap cover or the jar neck or the manner of attachment of the snap cover on the neck is immaterial, so long as we have to deal with a cover or cap that might fall into the class of snap or slip covers as previously defined.

The structure shown in Fig. l and described above may, of course, receive a different form. I have shown the use of a simple bent steel rod carrying the edge I5 and the flat surface l'l merely for convenience of description. Sheet material may be used, formed at one end into a suitable handle, or a separate handle may be attached to one end of the device. The device may be tempered in whole or in part in order to provide a permanent structure. An edge such as the edge i5 may be provided on either leg at the tool.

Fig. 2 is a variation of the device shown in Fig. 1 and comprises the general trapezoiola v shaped jaw portion consisting of the legs ZIP-2i and the back portion 22 which is disposed at an angle to the operating jaw portion of the device and provided with suitable openings 23--2425 so as to adapt the device for at tachment to the wall. The jaw is defined by the inclined inner edges 2621 which are reduced at the forward end of the device, asin dicated at 2829, for the purpose of facilitating the insertion of the jaw in the space between the lower edge of a snap cover and the corresponding portion of the jar or receptacle body. The operation of this device is substantially similar to the one described in connection with Fig. 1; i. e., the jar is inserted into the opening defined by the edges 2B2l so that these wedge edges enter below the lower edge of the snap cover on either side thereof, initiating engagement with adjacent parts of the jar or receptacle body. The jar is thus pushed into the jaws of the device until it is firmly inserted therein, whereupon the jar is tilted with respect to the device to pry off the cover. It is understood, of course, that the edges of the jaw may be suitably tempered, or the entire device may be suitably tempered so as to avoid deforming any part in normal use. The angle at which the jaw edges 2621 are disposed will again determine the range of application of the device. In other words, the angle of the wedge jaw edges 262'I should preferably be chosen so that the device may be used for removing caps or covers of the snap type from jars of various sizes. Jars of relatively small sizes will have to be entered more or less into the device, whereas jars of large sizes will be handled at the forward end of the jaw edges 26-21,

The device illustrated in Figs. 3-5, inclusive, is built somewhat along the lines of the device shown in Fig. 2, for attachment to a wall or tire like, and combines means for applying torque to screw thread caps with means, such as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, for removing snap type covers.

The combination device comprises a frame 30 having an angular portion 3| provided with openings 32-3334 for the attachment of the device to a wall or the like. The upper operating plate or frame 30 is provided with a jaw openin defined by the legs 3536 forming an alli :ator wrench, the inner edge of the leg 35 being toothed, as shown at 31, and the inner edge of the leg 36 being smooth, as indicated at 38.

Neglecting for a moment any other details and assuming that it is desired to open a jar provided with a screw type cover, the removal of the cover can be carried out easily by inserting the cover between the jaws 3'I-38 of the legs 35-36 until the jaws grip the cover on opposite sides. Upon exerting a slight pressure against the jaws, at the same time rotating the "ar in anti-clockwise direction, the cover will be 'emoved because the cover itself will be held a nd gripped firmly by the toothed edge 31 agai 1st the pressure resulting from engagement with the edge 38 and, accordingly, rotation of the jar with respect to the gripped cover will result in looser.- ing the screw engagement thereof.

If desired, both edges 31 and 38 may be provided with notches or teeth in order to renler a device that may be used with equal facility for opening and also for tightening screw type caps.

Secured to each leg 35 and 36 of the device is a strip or blade, such as indicated at 40-. These blades are broken away in Fig. 3, in order to show the edges 31-48 of the jaw for loosening screw caps. Each of these blades 40- is shown attached by means of screws, but may be spot-welded to the legs 3536 of plate 30. Each blade consists of a metallic member which is longitudinally machined or crimped, as indicated, along the lines 45-46, respectively, so that the inner portions of the blades 404i lie above the plane of the legs 35--36 of the frame 30, as is particularly indicated in Fig. 5 by the numerals 41 and 48.

The portions 41 and 48 of the blades 40 and M attached to the legs 35-36 of the frame 30, as above described, have a dual purpose. They provide a guide means when it is desired to unscrew a screw cap from a jar; and they also constitute a wedge means for removing a snap or slip cap or cover.

Assuming, again, that it is desired to remove a screw cover from-a jar (with the device properly attached to a wall), the jar is pushed into the jaws of the device with the upper surface of the screw cover sliding along the lower surfaces of the guide members 41-48 until the sides of the screw cover are engaged by the jaws 31-38 of the wrench. Upon applying a slight pressure against the device, the cover of the jar will be gripped by the toothed edge 31 of-the leg 35 by the pressure created by the opposite edge 38 of the leg 36, and the screw cover will thus be held firmly against rotation. Now, when the jar is rotated in anti-clockwise direction, it is clear that the screw cap will be loosened, as previously described, and the unscrewing operation will thus be initiated without any damage to any part whatsoever. It will be realized that the provision of the guide means 41--48 assists materially in the unscrewing operation, because the screw cap will be guided and placed into a position where the unscrewing force can be applied most effectively and with the least trouble.

Assuming, now, that it is desired to remove a snap cover from the jar, the required operation will be similar to that of removing the screw cover, except that the jar is pushed into the jaws of the device so that the wedge members 41--48 enter into the space between the lower edge of the snap cover and the corresponding parts of the bottle or jar body. The jar is thus pushed into the jaws of the device until it is firmly held thereby. The jar is then tilted with respect to the device and, inasmuch as the wedge jaw members 41-48 have entered into the space between the lower edge of the cap and the jar, the tilting will result in a prying-loose of the jar cover without any danger of damage to any part of the jar or cover and without any danger of injury to the user.

The removal operation will, in either case, be

. clean-cut, simple, and eflicient.

I have also shown, in connection with the device indicated in Figs. 3-5, inclusive, a bracket member 50 secured by means of screws, such as 5|, and the washer 52, the screws entering into the openings 53-54 indicated in Fig. 3. This bracket member is provided for the purpose of removing bottle caps and has, of course, a function entirely its own. This function is well known, and a. specific description thereof is therefore omitted. The bracket may be spotwelded to the plate 30, if desired.

If desired, the device particularly in its embodiments shown in Figs. 2-5, inclusive, may be provided with a locking hinge interposed between the respective mounting portion and the corresponding operating portion, whereby the entire device may be collapsed when not in use, and snapped into operating position whenever desired or necessary. Either embodiment may also be furnished with suitable handle means in place of the mounting bracket portion as shown.

I have used the term wedge-" shaped member or equivalent language in several places in the foregoing description for designating the edge or edges on the jaw or jaws of my tool which I use for prying open a jar of the snap type. It will be understood that this terminology is used merely for convenience because the edge or edges on the respective jaw or jaws need not be made in the form of a true wedge. They are simply edge members designed to enter in a selfguiding manner a small space between two elements which are to be separated by the application of a tilting force or motion.

Changes are possible and may be made, but it is understood that all such changes will be considered my invention, provided that they fall within the scope and spirit of the attached claims wherein I have defined what is new and is intended to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device for removing slip-type caps from jars or other containers of the type in which a circumferential bead spaced from the bottom of the cap is provided, a vertical bracket portion for attaching to a wall, a forwardly extending bifurcated horizontal portion of which the two parts have diverging inner margins, two steel strips secured to said parts, respectively. and overlapping the diverging inner margins thereof, said strips defining a. V-shaped opening in which a jar may be inserted with the edges of said strips lying in the space between the bottom of the cap and the bead which surrounds the top of the jar beneath the cap, whereby when the jar is titled toward the operator the strips act as evers fulcrumed on said bead and applying pov e to the bottom of the cap to remove the same.

2. In a device for removing slip-type caps from jars or other containers of the type in which a circumferential bead spaced from the bottom of the cap is provided, two steel strips lying in the same plane and separated from each other at one end, forming a V-shaped opening in which a jar may be inserted with the edges of said strips lying in the space between the bead and the bottom of the cap on opposite sides of the jar, and means for rigidly supporting said strips so that when the jar is tilted they operate as levers fulcrumed on the bead and applying power to the bottom of the cap to remove the same, said supporting means being also effective to prevent spreading of the strips by the cam action of the rounded bead surfaces at the fulcrum points.

3. In a device for removing either slip-type caps or screw-type caps from jars or other containers, a vertical bracket portion for attaching to a wall, a forwardly extending bifurcated horizontal portion comprising two rigid diverging jaw members, one of said jaws presenting a smooth inside edge and the opposite jaw carryscrew-type cap when the same isinserted in the wrench, said strips having thin edges lying in the space between said jaws and adapted to serve as fixed levers for removing a slip-type cover.

HERBERT A. BERKMAN. 

